South Miami-Dade News

MIAMI, FL - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) along with Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and community leaders gathered to discuss the achievements of the FY 2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) Appropriations bill. The focus was on promoting democracy in the Western hemisphere, enhancing national security, and countering malign regimes in Communist Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Colombia.

Representative Gimenez expressed his pride in collaborating with Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart to emphasize the victories in the appropriations package. He highlighted the importance of the provisions that support democracy, protect human rights, confront adversarial states, and reinforce U.S. leadership in the region. Additionally, he noted that the legislation reduces wasteful spending by 6% compared to the previous fiscal year, while ensuring adequate funding for programs critical to national security.

Congressman Carlos Giménez, the only Cuban-born Member of Congress, shared his personal background of fleeing Cuba with his family following the communist regime's rise to power. Representing Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys, he holds key positions such as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on China.

The press conference included the presence of various notable figures supporting the cause, such as Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, and community leaders from organizations advocating for democracy and human rights in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Colombia.

The event aimed to shed light on the significance of the appropriations package in advancing crucial initiatives and addressing pressing challenges within the Western hemisphere.